National Weather ServiceMichiganRed Flag WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Red Flag Warnings in Michigan
The National Weather Service issued 5 red flag warnings for Michigan in 2025 and 7 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 23rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 5% below the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Alcona was covered most often (52 times since 2008).
How many red flag warnings does Michigan get?
Every red flag warning that covered part of Michigan. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2008 | 8 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Michigan get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Michigan?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcona | 52 | 18 | May 16, 2026 |
| Iosco | 52 | 18 | May 16, 2026 |
| Ogemaw | 52 | 18 | May 16, 2026 |
| Oscoda | 50 | 16 | May 16, 2026 |
| Roscommon | 48 | 17 | May 16, 2026 |
| Crawford | 47 | 16 | May 16, 2026 |
| Missaukee | 46 | 17 | May 16, 2026 |
| Montmorency | 46 | 16 | May 16, 2026 |
| Alpena | 45 | 16 | May 16, 2026 |
| Wexford | 44 | 16 | May 16, 2026 |
| Arenac | 43 | 17 | May 16, 2026 |
| Gladwin | 43 | 17 | May 16, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
The latest red flag warnings for Michigan in AreaZine's record
NWS GaylordWarningMay 16, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle and 20 more, MI
Expired 8:00 p.m. EDT, May 16, 2026
NWS MarquetteWarningMay 15, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Ontonagon, Baraga, Marquette and 9 more, MI
Expired 9:00 p.m. EDT, May 16, 2026
NWS MarquetteWarningMay 14, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Ontonagon, Baraga, Gogebic and 2 more, MI
Expired 9:00 p.m. EDT, May 15, 2026
NWS Grand RapidsWarningMay 4, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Lake, Osceola, Clare and 7 more, MI
Expired 7:00 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2026
NWS Detroit/PontiacWarningMay 4, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Midland, Bay, Huron and 6 more, MI
Expired 7:00 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2026
NWS GaylordWarningMay 4, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle and 20 more, MI
Expired 9:00 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning means critical fire weather is happening or about to happen: strong wind, very low humidity and dry fuels together, so a fire that starts can spread fast. Each office sets the criteria with its land-management partners. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Michigan.